What is wet heat in cooking?

Wet heat cooking methods use liquid to transfer heat to food. This can be done by submerging the food in the liquid, such as in boiling, poaching, or steaming, or by using the liquid to create steam, such as in steaming or braising.

Boiling is the process of cooking food in boiling water. This method is suitable for vegetables, pasta, and eggs.

Poaching is similar to boiling, but the water is kept at a simmer (around 180°F) instead of a full boil. This method is often used for delicate foods, such as fish, chicken, and dumplings.

Steaming is the process of cooking food over boiling water. This method is ideal for vegetables, fish, and poultry.

Braising is a combination of roasting and stewing. Food is first seared in a hot pan, then covered and cooked in a small amount of liquid in the oven. This method is suitable for tougher cuts of meat, such as beef chuck roast or pork shoulder.

Wet heat cooking methods are generally gentler than dry heat methods, and they can help to retain nutrients in food. However, wet heat cooking can also lead to loss of flavor and texture, so it is important to choose the right method for the specific food being cooked.